Patent application title: Nitric oxide permeable housings

Abstract:

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that includes one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings.

Claims:

1. An apparatus comprising:one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
that are configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide following
photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors within the one
or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
comprise:one or more ports that facilitate release of nitric oxide from
the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
comprise:one or more control units that control one or more ports that
facilitate release of nitric oxide from the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings.

4. (canceled)

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
comprise:one or more nitric oxide permeable membranes.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
comprise:one or more windows that allow light to pass.

7-10. (canceled)

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
comprise:one or more housings that are configured for detachable
connection to one or more light sources.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors.

13. (canceled)

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors comprise:one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors that
are associated with one or more quantum dots.

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors comprise:one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors that
are associated with one or more rare-earth materials that facilitate
upconversion of energy.

17. (canceled)

18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:one or more light sources
that are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric
oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors.

19-23. (canceled)

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide
from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors comprise:one or
more control units that regulate the one or more light sources.

25-28. (canceled)

29. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide
from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors comprise:one or
more light sources that are associated with one or more quantum dots.

30. (canceled)

31. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide
from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors comprise:one or
more light sources that are associated with one or more rare-earth
materials that facilitate upconversion of energy.

32-34. (canceled)

35. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide
from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors comprise:one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that specifically
facilitates release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors.

36. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide
from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors comprise:one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that is selected to
avoid damaging one or more tissues.

37. (canceled)

38. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising:one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors.

39. (canceled)

40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors comprise:one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors that
are associated with one or more quantum dots.

41. (canceled)

42. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors comprise:one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors that
are associated with one or more rare-earth materials that facilitate
upconversion of energy.

43. (canceled)

44. A system comprising:circuitry for operating one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings comprises:circuitry for operating one or more ports that
facilitate release of nitric oxide from the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings.

46. The system of claim 44, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings comprises:circuitry for operating one or more control units that
control one or more ports that facilitate release of nitric oxide from
the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

47-50. (canceled)

51. The system of claim 44, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings comprises:circuitry for operating one or more housings that are
configured for detachable connection to one or more light sources.

52. The system of claim 44, further comprising:circuitry for operating one
or more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light emitters.

54. (canceled)

55. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more power supplies.

56. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more electromagnetic
receivers.

57. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more control units.

58. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more control units that
regulate the one or more light sources.

59. (canceled)

60. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more control units that
act in response to one or more programs.

61-62. (canceled)

63. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light sources that
are associated with one or more quantum dots.

64. (canceled)

65. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light sources that
are associated with one or more rare-earth materials that facilitate
upconversion of energy.

66-67. (canceled)

68. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light sources that
emit infrared light.

69. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that specifically facilitates release of
nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors.

70. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light sources that
are configured to emit light that is selected to avoid damaging one or
more tissues.

71. The system of claim 52, wherein the circuitry for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors comprises:circuitry for operating one or more light sources that
are integrated within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

72. A system comprising:means for operating one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release of nitric
oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

73. The system of claim 72, further comprising:means for operating one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors.

74. A system comprising:a signal-bearing medium bearing:one or more
instructions for operating one or more nitric oxide permeable housings
that are configured to facilitate release of nitric oxide following
photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors within the one
or more nitric oxide permeable housings.

75. The system of claim 74, further comprising:one or more instructions
for operating one or more light sources that are configured to emit light
that facilitates release of nitric oxide from the one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors.

76-78. (canceled)

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]The present application is related to and claims the benefit of the
earliest available effective filing date(s) from the following listed
application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g., claims earliest
available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications
or claims benefits under 35 USC § 119(e) for provisional patent
applications, for any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent,
etc. applications of the Related Application(s)).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/981,743, entitled Methods and Systems for Use of Photolyzable
Nitric Oxide Donors, naming Roderick A. Hyde as inventor, filed 30 Oct.
2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a
currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing
date.

[0003]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/998,864, entitled Systems and Devices that Utilize
Photolyzable Nitric Oxide Donors, naming Roderick A. Hyde as inventor,
filed 30 Nov. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application
of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of
the filing date.

[0004]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/005,045, entitled Systems and Devices Related to Nitric Oxide
Releasing Materials, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and
Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 21 Dec. 2007, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0005]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/005,065, entitled Devices and Systems that Deliver Nitric
Oxide, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr. as inventors, filed 21 Dec. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or
is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.

[0006]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/005,132, entitled Nitric Oxide Sensors and Systems, naming
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as
inventors, filed 21 Dec. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0007]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/005,136, entitled Devices Configured to Facilitate Release of
Nitric Oxide, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 21 Dec. 2007, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0008]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/005,170, entitled Condoms Configured to Facilitate Release of
Nitric Oxide, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 21 Dec. 2007, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0009]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/006,090, entitled Sleeves Configured to Facilitate Release of
Nitric Oxide, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Dec. 2007, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.

[0010]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/006,049, entitled Substrates for Nitric Oxide Releasing
Devices, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr. as inventors, filed 28 Dec. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or
is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.

[0011]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/006,069, entitled Nitric Oxide Permeable Housings, naming
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L. Wood, Jr. as
inventors, filed 28 Dec. 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled to
the benefit of the filing date.

[0012]For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements, the present
application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/008,708, entitled Substrates for Nitric Oxide Releasing
Devices, naming Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa and Lowell L. Wood,
Jr. as inventors, filed 11 Jan. 2008, which is currently co-pending, or
is an application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.

[0013]The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a notice to
the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require that patent
applicants reference both a serial number and indicate whether an
application is a continuation or continuation-in-part. Stephen G. Kunin,
Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003,
available at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm. The
present Applicant Entity (hereinafter "Applicant") has provided above a
specific reference to the application(s) from which priority is being
claimed as recited by statute. Applicant understands that the statute is
unambiguous in its specific reference language and does not require
either a serial number or any characterization, such as "continuation" or
"continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to U.S. patent
applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands that
the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry requirements, and
hence Applicant is designating the present application as a
continuation-in-part of its parent applications as set forth above, but
expressly points out that such designations are not to be construed in
any way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or not
the present application contains any new matter in addition to the matter
of its parent application(s).

[0014]All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any and all
parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
Applications is incorporated herein by reference to the extent such
subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0015]The present disclosure relates to an apparatus that includes one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings.

SUMMARY

[0016]In some embodiments an apparatus is provided that includes one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings. The apparatus may optionally include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors. The apparatus may optionally include one or more
light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates release
of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors. In
addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims,
drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

[0017]In some embodiments a system is provided that includes circuitry for
operating one or more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured
to facilitate release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings. The system may optionally include circuitry for
operating one or more light sources that are configured to emit light
that facilitates release of nitric oxide from the one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors. In addition to the foregoing, other
aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of
the present disclosure.

[0018]In some embodiments a system is provided that includes means for
operating one or more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured
to facilitate release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings. The system may optionally include means for operating
one or more light sources that are configured to emit light that
facilitates release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described
in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present
disclosure.

[0019]In some embodiments a system is provided that includes a
signal-bearing medium bearing one or more instructions for operating one
or more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings. The system may optionally include one or more instructions for
operating one or more light sources that are configured to emit light
that facilitates release of nitric oxide from the one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors. In addition to the foregoing, other
aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of
the present disclosure.

[0020]In some embodiments, means include but are not limited to circuitry
and/or programming for effecting the herein referenced functional
aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any
combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect
the herein referenced functional aspects depending upon the design
choices of the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other
system aspects means are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text
forming a part of the present disclosure.

[0021]In some embodiments, related systems include but are not limited to
circuitry and/or programming for effecting the herein referenced method
aspects; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any
combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect
the herein referenced method aspects depending upon the design choices of
the system designer. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects
are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the
present application.

[0022]The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be
in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects,
embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments,
and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings, claims,
and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023]FIG. 1 illustrates an example system 100 in which embodiments may be
implemented.

[0043]In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates
otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed
description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other
embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here.

[0044]While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein,
other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for
purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the
true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

[0045]FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 in which embodiments may be
implemented. System 100 may include an apparatus 102 that includes a
nitric oxide permeable housing 104. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102
may be associated with one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.
In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be associated with one or more
light sources 108. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be
associated with one or more sensors 118. In some embodiments, an
apparatus 102 may be configured to receive one or more signals 116. In
some embodiments, one or more signals 116 may include instructions for
operating one or more light sources 108 associated with the apparatus
102. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured to transmit
one or more signals 116. In some embodiments, system 100 may include one
or more management units 120 that are configured to transmit and/or
receive one or more signals 116. In some embodiments, system 100 may
include one or more management units 120 that are operably associated
with one or more user interfaces 122. In some embodiments, system 100 may
include one or more management units 120 that are operably associated
with one or more electromagnetic transmitters 114. In some embodiments,
system 100 may include one or more electromagnetic transmitters 114 that
transmit electromagnetic energy 112 that may be received by one or more
light sources 108.

Apparatus

[0046]System 100 includes one or more apparatuses 102. An apparatus 102
may be configured in numerous ways. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102
may be configured for implantation into a user 124. For example, in some
embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured for implantation into the
genital region of a user 124. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may
be configured for application to an inside surface of a user 124. For
example, in some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured for
insertion into the urethra of a user 124. In some embodiments, an
apparatus 102 may be configured for vaginal insertion into a user 124. In
some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured for application to
an outside surface of a user 124. For example, in some embodiments, an
apparatus 102 may be configured for application to the skin of a user
124. Accordingly, an apparatus 102 may be configured in numerous ways to
deliver nitric oxide to a surface or region of a user 124. In some
embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured to deliver nitric oxide
as a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be
configured to deliver nitric oxide as a sanitizing agent. For example, in
some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured to deliver nitric
oxide to the surface of a table, a chair, to surgical instruments, and
the like. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be incorporated into
clothing. For example, in some embodiments, one or more devices 102 may
be incorporated into a glove, a mitten, a hood, a mask, a sock, a shirt,
a sheet, a bandage, tape, and the like.

[0048]System 100 may include one or more nitric oxide permeable layers. In
some embodiments, one or more nitric oxide permeable layers may be
associated with a nitric oxide permeable housing 104. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
portions that include one or more nitric oxide permeable layers and one
or more portions that include one or more nitric oxide impermeable
layers.

[0049]A nitric oxide permeable layer may be constructed of numerous types
of materials and combinations of materials. Examples of such materials
include, but are not limited to, ceramics, polymeric materials, metals,
plastics, and the like. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
layer may include numerous combinations of materials. For example, in
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable layer may include a nitric
oxide impermeable material that is coupled to a nitric oxide permeable
material. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable layer may include
one or more nitric oxide permeable membranes (e.g., U.S. Patent
Application No. 20020026937). In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable layer may include a selectively permeable membrane. For
example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable layer may include
a selectively permeable membrane that is a hydrophilic polyester
co-polymer membrane system that includes a copolymer with 70% polyester
and 30% polyether (e.g., Sympatex® 10 μm membrane, see Hardwick et
al., Clinical Science, 100:395-400 (2001)). In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable layer may include one or more woven materials that are
permeable to nitric oxide. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable layer may include numerous types of woven glasses and/or
ceramics that are permeable to nitric oxide. In some embodiments, a
nitric oxide permeable layer may include a porous metal portion that is
permeable to nitric oxide. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
layer may include a nitric oxide permeable coating (e.g., U.S. Patent
Application Nos. 20050220838 and 20030093143).

Light Source

[0050]Numerous light sources 108 may be used within system 100. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be used to facilitate
release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors
106. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured
to emit light of multiple wavelengths. In some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may be configured to emit light that is selected to
facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may be configured to emit one or more wavelengths of light
that are selected to facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more
identified photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one
or more light sources 108 may emit one or more wavelengths of light that
are selected based on the absorption spectrum of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may emit one or more wavelengths of light that are selected based on
decomposition of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. For
example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be
configured to emit one or more wavelengths of light that cause
decomposition of one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 without
causing injury to adjacent structures and/or tissues. In some
embodiments, a first light source 108 may be configured to emit one or
more wavelengths of light that cause a first photolyzable nitric oxide
donor 106 to release nitric oxide and a second light source 108 may be
configured to emit one or more wavelengths of light that cause a second
photolyzable nitric oxide donor 106 to release nitric oxide. Accordingly,
numerous light sources 108 may be associated with a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104.

[0051]In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one
or more quantum dots (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,235,361). For example, in
some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit
one or more wavelengths of light that are absorbed by one or more quantum
dots. In some embodiments, one or more quantum dots may be configured to
absorb light and then emit one or more wavelengths of light that cause
release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors
106. Accordingly, in some embodiments, emission from one or more first
quantum dots may be tuned to facilitate release of nitric oxide from one
or more first photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 and emission from one
or more second quantum dots may be tuned to facilitate release of nitric
oxide from one or more second photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.

[0052]In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be remotely
controlled. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may be configured to receive one or more signals 116 that include
instructions for operation of the one or more light sources 108. Such
instructions may be associated with emission of light, non-emission of
light, time when light is emitted, length of light emission, intensity of
light emission, wavelengths of emitted light, and the like.

[0053]In some embodiments, light sources 108 may be configured to include
one or more control units. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may be configured to include a switch that may be used to turn the
light source 108 on and off. For example, in some embodiments, a light
source 108 may be configured to include a push button switch to turn the
light source 108 on and off.

[0054]In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one
or more light emitters that are coupled to one or more electromagnetic
receivers 110. The one or more electromagnetic receivers 110 may be
configured to couple with one or more electromagnetic transmitters 114
that produce one or more electromagnetic fields that induce an electrical
current to flow in the one or more electromagnetic receivers 110 to
energize the light emitters (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,152; herein
incorporated by reference). Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may be configured such that they are not directly
coupled to an energy source.

[0055]A light source 108 may be configured to emit numerous types of
light. In some embodiments, emitted light may be visible light. In some
embodiments, emitted light may be infrared light. In some embodiments,
emitted light may be ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, emitted
light may be substantially any combination of visible light, infrared
light, and/or ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may emit fluorescent light. In some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may emit phosphorescent light.

[0056]In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured
to emit light continuously. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may be configured to emit light as a pulse. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit
light as a flash. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
be configured to emit light continuously, as a pulse, as a flash, or
substantially any combination thereof.

[0057]In some embodiments, one or more light emitters and/or light sources
108 may be configured to provide for upconversion of energy. In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to visible light (e.g.,
Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to ultraviolet light
(e.g., Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one or more
rare-earth materials (e.g., ytterbium-erbium, ytterbium-thulium, or the
like) that facilitate upconversion of energy (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,088,040; herein incorporated by reference). For example, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be associated with
Nd3+ doped KPb2Cl5 crystals. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may be associated with thiogallates doped with
rare earths, such as CaGa2S4:Ce3+ and
SrGa2S4:Ce3+. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may be associated with aluminates that are doped with rare
earths, such as YAlO3:Ce3+, YGaO3:Ce3+,
Y(Al,Ga)O3:Ce3+, and orthosilicates M2SiO5:Ce3+
(M:Sc, Y, Sc) doped with rare earths, such as, for example,
Y2SiO5:Ce3+. In some embodiments, yttrium may be replaced
by scandium or lanthanum (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,812,500 and 6,327,074;
herein incorporated by reference). Numerous materials that may be used to
upconvert energy have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,956,172;
5,943,160; 7,235,189; 7,215,687; herein incorporated by reference).

Electromagnetic Receiver

[0058]Numerous types of electromagnetic receivers 110 may be used within
system 100. In some embodiments, one or more electromagnetic receivers
110 may be used to electromagnetically couple power to energize one or
more light sources 108 from an external power supply. Methods to
construct such electromagnetic receivers 110 have been described (e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,152). Briefly, in some embodiments, one or more
electromagnetic receivers 110 may be associated with one or more
rectifier chips. The one or more electromagnetic receivers 110 may
include one or more cores about which are wrapped an electrical
conductor. In some embodiments, cores may comprise a material, such as a
ferrite material, due to its relatively high magnetic permeability and
low magnetic hysteresis. However, other materials can be used for this
purpose. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic receiver 110 may be
operably coupled to a light emitting diode.

Electromagnetic Transmitter

[0059]Numerous types of electromagnetic transmitters 114 may be used
within system 100. Methods to construct electromagnetic transmitters 114
have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,152). Briefly, in some
embodiments, the electromagnetic transmitter 114 may include a ferrite
core around which is wrapped an electrical conductor. Other types of
material having high magnetic permeability and relatively low magnetic
hysteresis may be used for the core. Insulating tape may be wrapped
around the electrical conductor, or the electromagnetic transmitter 114
may be dipped in a resin to form a coating that stabilizes and fixes the
electrical conductor on the core. A return lead from one end of the
electrical conductor may include one of two leads that are coupled to an
AC power supply.

Electromagnetic Energy

[0060]Electrical power may be electromagnetically coupled from one or more
electromagnetic transmitters 114 with one or more electromagnetic
receivers 110. Accordingly, electrical power that is transferred to the
one or more electromagnetic receivers 110 may be used to power one or
more light emitters. Methods and devices that may be used to transmit
electrical power to a light emitter have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,571,152).

Transmitter

[0061]The system 100 may include one or more transmitters. In some
embodiments, an apparatus 102 may include one or more transmitters that
transmit one or more signals 116 that are received by one or more
management units 120. In some embodiments, system 100 may include one or
more transmitters that transmit one or more signals 116 that are received
by one or more apparatuses 102. Numerous types of transmitters may be
used in association with system 100. Examples of such transmitters
include, but are not limited to, transmitters that transmit one or more
optical signals 116, radio signals 116, wireless signals 116, hardwired
signals 116, infrared signals 116, ultrasonic signals 116, acoustic
signals 116, and the like (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 39,785; 7,260,768;
7,260,764; 7,260,402; 7,257,327; 7,215,887; 7,218,900; herein
incorporated by reference). In some embodiments, one or more transmitters
may transmit one or more signals 116 that are encrypted. Numerous types
of transmitters are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.
and Published U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,236,595; 7,260,155; 7,227,956; US
2006/0280307; herein incorporated by reference).

Management Unit

[0062]System 100 may include one or more management units 120. In some
embodiments, one or more management units 120 may be associated with one
or more apparatuses 102. For example, in some embodiments, one or more
management units 120 may be configured to regulate the operation of one
or more light sources 108 that are associated with an apparatus 102. In
some embodiments, one or more management units 120 may be configured to
receive one or more signals 116 from one or more sensors 118. In some
embodiments, one or more management units 120 may be configured to
receive one or more signals 116 from one or more light sources 108 that
are associated with an apparatus 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments,
one or more management units 120 may be used to regulate the operation of
one or more light sources 108 associated with an apparatus 102. In some
embodiments, a management unit 120 may include memory. In some
embodiments, a management unit 120 may include one or more programs that
provide instructions for controlling an apparatus 102.

Receiver

[0063]System 100 may include one or more receivers. In some embodiments,
one or more receivers may be associated with an apparatus 102. In some
embodiments, one or more receivers may be associated with one or more
light sources 108. In some embodiments, one or more receivers may be
associated with one or more sensors 118. Numerous types of receivers may
be used in association with system 100. Examples of such receivers
include, but are not limited to, receivers that receive one or more
optical signals 116, radio signals 116, wireless signals 116, hardwired
signals 116, infrared signals 116, ultrasonic signals 116, acoustic
signals 116, and the like. Such receivers are known and have been
described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 39,785; 7,218,900; 7,254,160;
7,245,894; 7,206,605; herein incorporated by reference).

Signal

[0064]Numerous types of signals 116 may be used in association with system
100. Examples of such signals 116 include, but are not limited to,
optical signals 116, radio signals 116, wireless signals 116, hardwired
signals 116, infrared signals 116, ultrasonic signals 116, and the like.
In some embodiments, one or more signals 116 may not be encrypted. In
some embodiments, one or more signals 116 may be encrypted. In some
embodiments, one or more signals 116 may be sent through use of a secure
mode of transmission. In some embodiments, one or more signals 116 may be
coded for receipt by a specific user 124. In some embodiments, such code
may include anonymous code that is specific for a user 124. Accordingly,
information included within one or more signals 116 may be protected
against being accessed by others who are not the intended recipient.

User

[0065]An apparatus 102 may be used to deliver nitric oxide to a user 124.
In some embodiments, a user 124 may be a human. In some embodiments, a
user 124 may be a human male. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may
be used to deliver nitric oxide to a user 124 to treat sexual
dysfunction. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be used to treat
male erectile disorder. In some embodiments, sexual dysfunction may be
due to a physical condition. For example, in some embodiments, sexual
dysfunction may result from surgery, a physical injury, pharmaceutical
use, age, or the like. In some embodiments, sexual dysfunction may be due
to a mental condition. For example, in some embodiments, sexual
dysfunction may be due to depression, lack of interest, insecurity,
anxiety, or the like. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may deliver
nitric oxide to increase sexual performance and/or pleasure. In some
embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be configured to deliver nitric oxide
to the skin of a user 124. In some embodiments, such delivery may be for
cosmetic purposes. In some embodiments, such delivery may be for
therapeutic purposes. For example, in some embodiments, an apparatus 102
may be used to deliver nitric oxide to a skin lesion, such as a skin
ulcer, a burn, a cut, a puncture, a laceration, a blunt trauma, an acne
lesion, a boil, and the like. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may
be used to deliver nitric oxide to a skin surface to increase the
expression of endogenous collagenase. In some embodiments, an apparatus
102 may be used to deliver nitric oxide to a skin surface to regulate the
formation of collagen. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be used
to deliver nitric oxide to reduce inflammation (e.g., reduce exudate
secretion) at the site of a lesion (e.g., U.S. Patent Application No.
2007/0088316). In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be used to
deliver nitric oxide to reduce the microbial burden within a wound site.
For example, in some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may be used to deliver
nitric oxide as an antibacterial agent against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus. An apparatus 102 may deliver nitric oxide to a
user 124 at numerous concentrations. For example, in some embodiments,
nitric oxide may be delivered at a concentration ranging from about 160
ppm to about 400 ppm. Such concentrations may be used without inducing
toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site (e.g., U.S. Patent
Application No. 2007/0088316).

User Interface/User

[0066]System 100 may include numerous types of user interfaces 122. For
example, one or more users 124 may interact through use of numerous user
interfaces 122 that utilize hardwired methods, such as through use of an
on/off switch, a push button, a keyboard, and the like. In some
embodiments, the user interface 122 may utilize wireless methods, such as
methods that utilize a transmitter and receiver, utilize the internet,
and the like.

[0067]FIG. 2 illustrates embodiment 200 of an apparatus 102 within system
100. In FIG. 2, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect
to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other
examples and contexts. However, it should be understood that the modules
may execute operations in a number of other environments and contexts,
and/or modified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various modules
are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood
that the various modules may be configured in numerous orientations.

[0068]The embodiment 200 may include module 210 that includes one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release
of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings 104 that are configured to
facilitate release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 within the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may include one or more light sources 108. In some embodiments, a
nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more light sources
108 that are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric
oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may be configured for implantation within a user
124. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may be configured to facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to the
genital region of a user 124. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may be configured to facilitate delivery of nitric
oxide to the vasculature of a user 124. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured to facilitate delivery of
nitric oxide to a surface. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may be configured to be included within a bandage, a patch,
tape, clothing, and the like. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more nitric oxide permeable
layers. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more valves that are configured to provide for passage of
nitric oxide from the nitric oxide permeable housing 104. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
controllable valves that are configured to provide for passage of nitric
oxide from the nitric oxide permeable housing 104. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
control units. In some embodiments, one or more control units may be
configured to control one or more valves. In some embodiments, one or
more control units may be configured to control one or more light sources
108.

[0069]FIG. 3 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 200 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates example
embodiments of module 210 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 302, an embodiment 304, an embodiment 306, an
embodiment 308, an embodiment 310, and/or an embodiment 312.

[0070]At embodiment 302, module 210 may include one or more ports that
facilitate release of nitric oxide from the one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may include one or more ports that facilitate release of nitric oxide
from the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings 104. Ports may be
configured in numerous ways. For example, in some embodiments, one or
more housings may be configured as a tube, a cylinder, a square box, a
rectangular box, a disc, a triangle, a ball, and the like. A nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more ports that may have
numerous configurations. In some embodiments, a port may be a simple
passage (e.g., hole, slit, crack, etc.) through a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may be configured as a tube having a first closed end and a
second end that includes a simple passage. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include a threaded port into which a plug
may be screwed and/or unscrewed to open or close the port. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include a tube
within a tube construction that includes a first perforated tube and a
second perforated tube. Accordingly, the first tube may be rotated within
the second tube such that one or more perforations in the first tube
align with one or more perforations in the second tube to create a port
through which nitric oxide may pass. In some embodiments, such tube
within a tube configurations may be operably connected to an apparatus
(e.g., electric motor) that is configured to rotate the first tube and/or
the second tube to control opening and closing of one or more ports. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or
more ports that are controlled with one or more electrical solenoids. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or
more ports that are controlled with one or more electromagnets.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more ports may be opened or
closed through regulation of current passing through one or more
electromagnets associated with the ports.

[0071]At embodiment 304, module 210 may include one or more control units
that control one or more ports that facilitate release of nitric oxide
from the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
control units 126 that control one or more ports that facilitate release
of nitric oxide from the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings 104.
In some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may be responsive to
one or more timers. For example, in some embodiments, one or more control
units 126 may open one or more ports at one or more times (e.g., 9:00 AM,
9:00 PM, 12:00 AM) provided by a timer. In some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may close one or more ports at one or more times (e.g.,
9:00 AM, 9:00 PM, 12:00 AM) provided by a timer. In some embodiments, one
or more control units 126 may be responsive to one or more signals 116.
In some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may respond to one or
more signals 116 by opening one or more ports. In some embodiments, one
or more control units 126 may respond to one or more signals 116 by
closing one or more ports. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may include one or more receivers. A control unit 126
may include numerous types of receivers. Examples of such receivers
include, but are not limited to, receivers that receive one or more
optical signals 116, radio signals 116, wireless signals 116, hardwired
signals 116, infrared signals 116, ultrasonic signals 116, and the like.
Such receivers are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE
39,785; 7,218,900; 7,254,160; 7,245,894; 7,206,605; herein incorporated
by reference). In some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may be
responsive to one or more programs. In some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may open and/or close one or more ports in accordance
with a time schedule provided by one or more programs. For example, in
some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may open one or more
ports at a selected time for a period of time and then close the one or
more ports. In some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may open
one or more ports at a selected time and then close one or more ports at
a selected time in response to one or more programs. In some embodiments,
one or more control units 126 may open and/or close one or more ports in
response to instructions received from one or more programs. For example,
in some embodiments, one or more programs may receive information
associated with one or more sensors and then instruct one or more control
units 126 to open and/or close one or more ports. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, one or more programs may be used to control the opening
and/or closing of one or more ports.

[0072]A control unit 126 may control the operation of one or more ports
through numerous mechanisms. For example, in some embodiments, a control
unit 126 may be operably coupled to an electric motor that serves to open
and/or close one or more ports through rotation of a screw mechanism.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a control unit 126 may control
operation of one or more electric motors to facilitate opening and/or
closing of a port. In some embodiments, a control unit 126 may be
operably coupled to an electromagnet that facilitates opening and/or
closing of a port (e.g., fuel injectors, fluid valves, and the like).
Accordingly, a control unit 126 may be configured in numerous ways.

[0073]At embodiment 306, module 210 may include one or more electrical
connectors that are configured for connection to one or more light
sources. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more electrical connectors that are configured for
connection to one or more light sources 108. Numerous configurations of
electrical connectors may be used in association with a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include a circuit board to which one or more
light sources 108 may be attached. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more terminals (e.g., crimp-on
terminals) to which one or more light sources 108 may be attached. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or
more plug and socket connectors. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more universal serial bus
connectors. Accordingly, numerous types of connectors may be associated
with a nitric oxide permeable housing 104.

[0074]At embodiment 308, module 210 may include one or more nitric oxide
permeable membranes. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more nitric oxide permeable membranes. A
nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more nitric oxide
permeable layers that are fabricated from numerous types of material.
Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, ceramics,
polymeric materials, metals, plastics, and the like. In some embodiments,
one or more nitric oxide permeable layers may include numerous
combinations of materials. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable layer may include a nitric oxide impermeable material
that is coupled to a nitric oxide permeable material. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable layer may include one or more
nitric oxide permeable membranes (e.g., U.S. Patent Application No.
20020026937). In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable layer may
include a selectively permeable membrane. For example, in some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable layer may include a selectively
permeable membrane that is a hydrophilic polyester co-polymer membrane
system that includes a copolymer with 70% polyester and 30% polyether
(e.g., Sympatex® 10 μm membrane, see Hardwick et al., Clinical
Science, 100:395-400 (2001)). In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable layer may include a nitric oxide permeable coating (e.g., U.S.
Patent Application Nos. 20050220838 and 20030093143).

[0075]In some embodiments, one or more nitric oxide permeable layers may
form the exterior surface of a nitric oxide permeable housing 104. In
some embodiments, one or more nitric oxide permeable layers may be
included in one or more portions of a nitric oxide permeable housing 104.

[0076]In some embodiments, one or more nitric oxide permeable layers may
be configured to enclose at least a portion of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more nitric oxide
permeable layers may be configured to enclose at least a portion of one
or more light sources 108, at least a portion of one or more sensors 118,
at least a portion of one or more electromagnetic receivers 110, or
substantially any combination thereof.

[0077]At embodiment 310, module 210 may include one or more windows that
allow light to pass. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more windows that allow light to pass.
Numerous materials may be used to fabricate one or more windows that
allow light to pass. Examples of such materials include, but are not
limited to, glass, plastic, polymeric materials, fiber optic cables, and
the like. In some embodiments, one or more windows may alter light that
passes through the one or more windows. For example, in some embodiments,
a window may include one or more quantum dots that absorb light and then
transmit light of different wavelengths. In some embodiments, a window
may include one or more materials that upconvert light. For example, in
some embodiments, a window may include one or more rare-earth materials.
In some embodiments, one or more windows may be configured to allow
passage of light of certain wavelengths. In some embodiments, one or more
windows may be configured to disallow passage of light of certain
wavelengths. In some embodiments, one or more windows may be configured
to allow passage of light of certain wavelengths and to disallow passage
of light of certain wavelengths. For example, in some embodiments, a
window may be configured to allow passage of visible light but to
disallow passage of ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or more
windows may be configured such that their light transmission
characteristics may be regulated through application of electrical
current to the one or more windows.

[0078]In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include two or more compartments that are separated by a window through
which light may pass. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include a first compartment that includes one
or more light sources 108 and a second compartment that includes one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are separated by a window.
Accordingly, passage of light emitted by the one or more light sources
108 through the window may facilitate release of nitric oxide from the
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. Accordingly, a window
may be configured in numerous ways.

[0079]At embodiment 312, module 210 may include one or more quartz
windows. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more quartz windows. In some embodiments, one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings 104 may be configured to allow passage of
ultraviolet light through one or more windows.

[0080]In some embodiments, one or more quartz windows may alter light that
passes through the one or more windows. For example, in some embodiments,
a quartz window may include one or more quantum dots that absorb light
and then transmit light of different wavelengths. In some embodiments, a
quartz window may include one or more materials that upconvert light. For
example, in some embodiments, a quartz window may include one or more
rare-earth materials. In some embodiments, one or more quartz windows may
be configured to allow passage of light of certain wavelengths. In some
embodiments, one or more quartz windows may be configured to disallow
passage of light of certain wavelengths. In some embodiments, one or more
quartz windows may be configured to allow passage of light of certain
wavelengths and to disallow passage of light of certain wavelengths.

[0081]In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include two or more compartments that are separated by a quartz window
through which light may pass. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include a first compartment that includes
one or more light sources 108 and a second compartment that includes one
or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are separated by a
quartz window. Accordingly, passage of light emitted by the one or more
light sources 108 through the quartz window may facilitate release of
nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.
Accordingly, a quartz window may be configured in numerous ways.

[0082]FIG. 4 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 200 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates example
embodiments of module 210 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 402, an embodiment 404, an embodiment 406, and/or
an embodiment 408.

[0083]At embodiment 402, module 210 may include one or more metallic
housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more metallic housings. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more housings that are
entirely metallic. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may include one or more housings that include one or more portions
that are metallic. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may include one or more housings that include one or more portions
that are metallic and one or more portions that are non-metallic.
Numerous metallic materials may be included within a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104. Examples of such materials include, but are not
limited to, stainless steel, titanium, copper, brass, aluminum, metallic
alloys, and the like. In some embodiments, numerous types of metallic
materials may be included within the same nitric oxide permeable housing
104. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may be configured as a stainless steel tube with a first closed end,
a second end that includes a port, and copper connections configured for
association with one or more light sources 108. Accordingly, numerous
types of materials may be included within a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104.

[0084]At embodiment 404, module 210 may include one or more non-metallic
housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more non-metallic housings. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more housings that are
entirely non-metallic. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more housings that include one or more
portions that are non-metallic. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more housings that include one
or more portions that are non-metallic and one or more portions that are
metallic. Numerous non-metallic materials may be included within a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104. Examples of such materials include, but are
not limited to, ceramics, glass, plastic, polymeric materials, and the
like. In some embodiments, numerous types of non-metallic materials may
be included within the same nitric oxide permeable housing 104. For
example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be
configured as a plastic tube having a first closed end, and a second open
end that is associated with one or more nitric oxide permeable membranes.
Accordingly, numerous types of materials may be included within a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104.

[0085]At embodiment 406, module 210 may include one or more ceramic
housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more ceramic housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more housings that are entirely
ceramic. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more housings that include one or more portions that are
ceramic. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more housings that include one or more portions that are
ceramic and one or more portions that are non-ceramic. Numerous ceramic
materials may be included within a nitric oxide permeable housing 104.
Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, cermets,
clays, glasses, sintered glass, electrically conductive ceramics,
semiconductive ceramics, piezoelectric ceramics, and the like. In some
embodiments, numerous types of non-ceramic materials may be included
within the same nitric oxide permeable housing 104. For example, in some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured as a
ceramic tube having a first closed end, and a second open end that is
associated with one or more nitric oxide permeable membranes.
Accordingly, numerous types of materials may be included within a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104.

[0086]At embodiment 408, module 210 may include one or more housings that
are configured for detachable connection to one or more light sources. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or
more housings that are configured for detachable connection to one or
more light sources 108. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include a cavity into which a light source 108
may be inserted. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a first light source
108 may be associated with a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 and then
replaced with a second light source 108 that may be associated with the
nitric oxide permeable housing 104. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may be configured as a disposable unit that
includes one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. Accordingly,
such a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be associated with a light
source 108 and then replaced with a second nitric oxide permeable housing
104.

[0087]FIG. 5 illustrates embodiment 500 of an apparatus 102 within system
100. In FIG. 5, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect
to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other
examples and contexts. In some embodiments, module 210 of FIG. 2 may
correspond to module 510 as described with respect to embodiment 500 of
an apparatus 102 within system 100. However, it should be understood that
the modules may execute operations in a number of other environments and
contexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various
modules are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be
understood that the various modules may be configured in numerous
orientations.

[0088]The embodiment 500 may include module 510 that includes one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release
of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings. In
some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may include one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings 104 that are configured to facilitate release of
nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106 within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.
In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one
or more light sources 108. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more light sources 108 that are configured
to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide from one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
be configured for implantation within a user 124. For example, in some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured to
facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to the genital region of a user 124.
In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be
configured to facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to the vasculature of a
user 124. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
be configured to facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to a surface. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured
to be included within a bandage, a patch, tape, clothing, and the like.
In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one
or more nitric oxide permeable layers. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more valves that are
configured to provide for passage of nitric oxide from the nitric oxide
permeable housing 104. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more controllable valves that are
configured to provide for passage of nitric oxide from the nitric oxide
permeable housing 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more control units 126. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 126 may be configured to control
one or more valves. In some embodiments, one or more control units 126
may be configured to control one or more light sources 108.

[0090]FIG. 6 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 500 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates example
embodiments of module 520 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 602, an embodiment 604, an embodiment 606, an
embodiment 608, and/or an embodiment 610.

[0091]At embodiment 602, module 520 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that include one or more diazeniumdiolates. In some
embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may include
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that include one or more
diazeniumdiolates. Many photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are
diazeniumdiolates are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,122,529). Examples of such diazeniumdiolates include, but are not
limited to O2-benzyl, O2-naphthylmethyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates and O2-naphthylallyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates.

[0092]At embodiment 604, module 520 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are associated with one or more quantum dots. In
some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may
include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are
associated with one or more quantum dots. In some embodiments, one or
more quantum dots may be tuned to emit light that facilitates photolysis
of one or more nitric oxide donors. In some embodiments, a quantum dot
may be tuned to emit light that specifically facilitates photolysis of
one or more nitric oxide donors. For example, in some embodiments, one or
more quantum dots may emit select wavelengths of light that correspond to
wavelengths of light that cause photolysis of one or more nitric oxide
donors. In some embodiments, one or more quantum dots may be selected
that absorb light emitted by one or more light sources 108 and emit light
that facilitates photolysis of one or more nitric oxide donors.

[0093]At embodiment 606, module 520 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are associated with one or more fluorescent
materials. In some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106 may include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106
that are associated with one or more fluorescent materials. Numerous
fluorescent materials may be associated with one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106. Examples of such materials include, but are not
limited to, 1,4-diphenylbutadiene; 9,10-diphenylanthracene; benzene;
biphenyl; ethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate; naphthalene; P-terphenyl;
ethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate; stilbene; tryptophan; tyrosine;
1,2-diphenylacetylene; 7-methoxycoumarin-4-acetic acid; anthracene;
indo-1; POPOP; P-quaterphenyl; pyrene; and the like.

[0094]At embodiment 608, module 520 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are associated with one or more rare-earth
materials that facilitate upconversion of energy. In some embodiments,
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may include one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are associated with one or more
rare-earth materials that facilitate upconversion of energy. In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to visible light (e.g.,
Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to ultraviolet light
(e.g., Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may be
associated with one or more rare-earth materials (e.g., ytterbium-erbium,
ytterbium-thulium, or the like) that facilitate upconversion of energy
(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,040; herein incorporated by reference). For
example, in some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106 may be associated with Nd3+ doped KPb2Cl5
crystals. In some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106 may be associated with thiogallates doped with rare earths,
such as CaGa2S4:Ce3+ and SrGa2S4:Ce3+. In
some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may be
associated with aluminates that are doped with rare earths, such as
YAlO3:Ce3+, YGaO3:Ce3+, Y(Al,Ga)O3:Ce3+,
and orthosilicates M2SiO5:Ce3+ (M:Sc, Y, Sc) doped with
rare earths, such as, for example, Y2SiO5:Ce3+. In some
embodiments, yttrium may be replaced by scandium or lanthanum (e.g., U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,812,500 and 6,327,074; herein incorporated by reference).
Numerous materials that may be used to upconvert energy have been
described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,956,172; 5,943,160; 7,235,189;
7,215,687; herein incorporated by reference).

[0095]At embodiment 610, module 520 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are coupled to one or more polymeric materials.
In some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may
include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are coupled
to one or more polymeric materials. For example, in some embodiments, one
or more polymer matrices may be impregnated with one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106 (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,444). In some
embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may be
bound to a polymer. Methods that can be used to couple nitric oxide
donors to a polymeric matrix have been reported (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,405,919). In some embodiments, one or more polymers to which one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 are coupled may be used to
construct one or more housings.

[0096]FIG. 7 illustrates embodiment 700 of an apparatus 102 within system
100. In FIG. 7, discussion and explanation may be provided with respect
to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to other
examples and contexts. In some embodiments, module 210 of FIG. 2 may
correspond to module 710 as described with respect to embodiment 700 of
an apparatus 102 within system 100. However, it should be understood that
the modules may execute operations in a number of other environments and
contexts, and/or modified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various
modules are presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be
understood that the various modules may be configured in numerous
orientations.

[0097]The embodiment 700 may include module 710 that includes one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release
of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings. In
some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may include one or more nitric oxide
permeable housings 104 that are configured to facilitate release of
nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106 within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings.
In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one
or more light sources 108. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more light sources 108 that are configured
to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide from one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
be configured for implantation within a user 124. For example, in some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured to
facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to the genital region of a user 124.
In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be
configured to facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to the vasculature of a
user 124. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
be configured to facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to a surface. In
some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured
to be included within a bandage, a patch, tape, clothing, and the like.
In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one
or more nitric oxide permeable layers. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more valves that are
configured to provide for passage of nitric oxide from the nitric oxide
permeable housing 104. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may include one or more controllable valves that are
configured to provide for passage of nitric oxide from the nitric oxide
permeable housing 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more control units 126. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 126 may be configured to control
one or more valves. In some embodiments, one or more control units 126
may be configured to control one or more light sources 108.

[0098]The embodiment 700 may include module 730 that includes one or more
light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates release
of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors. In
some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may include one or more light sources
108 that are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric
oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. A light
source 108 may be configured in numerous ways. For example, in some
embodiments, a light source 108 may include a chemiluminescent light
source 108. In some embodiments, a light source 108 may include a
phosphorescent light source 108. In some embodiments, a light source 108
may include a light emitter that is coupled to a power supply. For
example, in some embodiments, a light source 108 may include one or more
light emitting diodes that are coupled to one or more power supplies.
Examples of power supplies include, but are not limited to, capacitors,
batteries, electromagnetic receivers 110, and the like. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit
light that specifically facilitates release of nitric oxide from one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit one
or more wavelengths of light that facilitate photodecomposition of one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may be configured such they do not emit one or
more wavelengths of light that do not facilitate photodecomposition of
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit
light that is matched to one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106
and causes photodecomposition of the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
be configured such that they do not emit light that cross-links
biological structures (e.g., proteins) or that causes the formation of
DNA adducts. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may be configured to emit light that photolyzes one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 with reduced damage to surrounding
tissue. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108
may be configured to emit visible light (λ=550 nm) to facilitate
homolytic decomposition of S-nitrosoglutathione to generate nitric oxide
(e.g., Singh et al., FEBS Letters, 360:47-51 (1995)). In some
embodiments, ultraviolet light may be used to facilitate release of
nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. For
example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be
configured to emit ultraviolet light (λ=355 nm) to release nitric
oxide from S-nitrosothiols (e.g., Rotta et al., Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res.,
36:587-594 (2003)). In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108
may be configured to emit light over a broad range of wavelengths that
will facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106. For example, in some embodiments, O2-benzyl
substituted diazeniumdiolates, O2-napthylmethyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates, and/or O2-napththylallyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates may be photolyzed by light over a broad range of
wavelengths (λ=254 nm to λ=700 nm) (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,122,529).

[0099]FIG. 8 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 700 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates example
embodiments of module 730 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 802, an embodiment 804, an embodiment 806, an
embodiment 808, and/or an embodiment 810.

[0100]At embodiment 802, module 730 may include one or more light
emitters. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include
one or more light emitters. Numerous types of light emitters may be
associated with one or more light sources 108. Examples of such light
emitters include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes,
filaments, arc lamps, fluorescent light emitters, phosphorescent light
emitters, chemiluminescent emitters, and the like. In some embodiments,
one or more light emitters may be coupled with one or more quantum dots.
In some embodiments, one or more light emitters may be coupled with one
or more rare-earth materials.

[0101]At embodiment 804, module 730 may include one or more light emitters
that include one or more light emitting diodes. In some embodiments, one
or more light sources 108 may include one or more light emitting diodes.
One or more light sources 108 may include one or more light emitting
diodes that are configured to emit light of select wavelengths. For
example, light emitting diodes may be configured to emit infrared light,
visible light, near-ultraviolet light, or ultraviolet light. In some
embodiments, a light source 108 may include a conventional light emitting
diode that can include a variety of inorganic semiconductor materials.
Examples of such materials and the emitting light include, but are not
limited to, aluminium gallium arsenide (red and infrared), aluminium
gallium phosphide (green), aluminium gallium indium phosphide
(high-brightness orange-red, orange, yellow, and green), gallium arsenide
phosphide (red, orange-red, orange, and yellow), gallium phosphide (red,
yellow and green), gallium nitride (green, pure green, emerald green,
blue, and white (if it has an AlGaN Quantum Barrier)), indium gallium
nitride (near ultraviolet, bluish-green and blue), silicon carbide
(blue), silicon (blue), sapphire (blue), zinc selenide (blue), diamond
(ultraviolet), aluminium nitride (near to far ultraviolet), aluminium
gallium nitride (near to far ultraviolet), aluminium gallium indium
nitride (near to far ultraviolet).

[0102]At embodiment 806, module 730 may include one or more power
supplies. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include
one or more power supplies. Numerous types of power supplies may be
associated with one or more light sources 108. Examples of such power
supplies include, but are not limited to, batteries (e.g., thin film
batteries), electromagnetic receivers 110, line power, and the like.

[0103]At embodiment 808, module 730 may include one or more
electromagnetic receivers. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may include one or more electromagnetic receivers 110. In some
embodiments, one or more electromagnetic receivers 110 may be used to
receive electromagnetic energy 112 for use in providing power to one or
more light emitters. Methods to construct electromagnetic receivers 110
have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,152).

[0104]At embodiment 810, module 730 may include one or more control units.
In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one or
more control units 126. In some embodiments, the one or more control
units 126 may be operably associated with one or more light sources 108
through use of a hardwired connection. In some embodiments, the one or
more control units 126 may be operably associated with one or more light
sources 108 through use of a wireless connection. In some embodiments,
one or more control units 126 may include numerous types of receivers.
Examples of such receivers include, but are not limited to, receivers
that receive one or more optical signals 116, radio signals 116, wireless
signals 116, hardwired signals 116, infrared signals 116, ultrasonic
signals 116, and the like. Such receivers are known and have been
described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 39,785; 7,218,900; 7,254,160;
7,245,894; 7,206,605; herein incorporated by reference).

[0105]FIG. 9 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 700 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates example
embodiments of module 730 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 902, an embodiment 904, an embodiment 906, an
embodiment 908, and/or an embodiment 910.

[0106]At embodiment 902, module 730 may include one or more control units
that regulate the one or more light sources. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may include one or more control units 126 that
regulate the one or more light sources 108. One or more control units may
regulate numerous aspects of one or more light sources 108. Examples of
such aspects include, but are not limited to, intensity of emitted light,
duration of emitted light, pulse frequency of emitted light, wavelengths
of emitted light, and the like.

[0107]At embodiment 904, module 730 may include one or more control units
that act in response to one or more signals. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may include one or more control units 126 that act
in response to one or more signals 116. In some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may include one or more receivers. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, one or more control units 126 may be configured to receive
one or more signals 116. In some embodiments, one or more control units
126 may receive one or more signals 116 that include commands for the one
or more control units. For example, in some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may receive one or more signals 116 that command the
one or more control units 126 to regulate operation of one or more light
sources 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more control units
126 may regulate light emitted by one or more light sources 108. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 126 may regulate one or more times
when light is emitted by one or more light sources 108. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 126 may regulate one or more times
when light is not emitted by one or more light sources 108. In some
embodiments, one or more control units 126 may regulate one or more
wavelengths of light that are emitted by one or more light sources 108.

[0108]At embodiment 906, module 730 may include one or more control units
that act in response to one or more programs. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may include one or more control units 126 that act
in response to one or more programs. For example, in some embodiments,
one or more control units 126 may be responsive to a programmed set of
instructions. In some embodiments, the one or more control units 126 may
be directly programmed. For example, in some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may include a programmable memory that can include
instructions. In some embodiments, the one or more control units 126 may
receive instructions from a program that is associated with one or more
management units 120.

[0109]At embodiment 908, module 730 may include one or more control units
that act in response to one or more timers. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may include one or more control units 126 that act
in response to one or more timers. In some embodiments, one or more
control units 126 may be configured to include one or more timers to
which the one or more control units are responsive. In some embodiments,
one or more control units 126 may be responsive to one or more timers
that are remote from the one or more control units 126. For example, in
some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may be responsive to one
or more timers that are associated with one or more management units 120
that send instructions to the one or more control units 126.

[0110]At embodiment 910, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are coated with at least one of the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
include one or more light sources 108 that are coated with at least one
of the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. For example, in
some embodiments, a light source 108 may be configured as a wand that
emits light which can be coated with one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, a light source 108 may be
configured as a sheet that is coated with one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
be partially coated with one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors
106.

[0111]FIG. 10 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 700 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 illustrates example
embodiments of module 730 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 1002, an embodiment 1004, an embodiment 1006, an
embodiment 1008, and/or an embodiment 1010.

[0112]At embodiment 1002, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are associated with one or more quantum dots. In some embodiments,
one or more light sources 108 may include one or more light sources 108
that are associated with one or more quantum dots (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,235,361; herein incorporated by reference). For example, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit one
or more wavelengths of light that are absorbed by one or more quantum
dots. In some embodiments, one or more quantum dots may be configured to
absorb light and then emit one or more wavelengths of light that cause
release of nitric oxide from one or more nitric oxide donors.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, emission from one or more first quantum
dots may be tuned to facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more
first photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 and emission from one or more
second quantum dots may be tuned to facilitate release of nitric oxide
from one or more second photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.

[0113]At embodiment 1004, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are associated with one or more fluorescent materials. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one or more light
sources 108 that are associated with one or more fluorescent materials.
Numerous fluorescent materials may be associated with one or more light
sources 108. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to,
1,4-diphenylbutadiene; 9,10-diphenylanthracene; benzene; biphenyl;
ethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate; naphthalene; P-terphenyl;
ethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate; stilbene; tryptophan; tyrosine;
1,2-diphenylacetylene; 7-methoxycoumarin-4-acetic acid; anthracene;
indo-1; POPOP; P-quaterphenyl; pyrene; and the like.

[0114]At embodiment 1006, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are associated with one or more rare-earth materials that facilitate
upconversion of energy. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may include one or more light sources 108 that are associated with
one or more rare-earth materials that facilitate upconversion of energy.
In some embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to visible light
(e.g., Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to ultraviolet light
(e.g., Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one or more
rare-earth materials (e.g., ytterbium-erbium, ytterbium-thulium, or the
like) that facilitate upconversion of energy (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,088,040; herein incorporated by reference). For example, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be associated with Nd3+
doped KPb2Cl5 crystals. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may be associated with thiogallates doped with rare earths, such as
CaGa2S4:Ce3+ and SrGa2S4:Ce3+. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may be associated with aluminates that are doped with rare
earths, such as YAlO3:Ce3+, YGaO3:Ce3+, Y(Al,Ga)O3:Ce3+, and
orthosilicates M2SiO5:Ce3-(M:Sc, Y, Sc) doped with rare earths, such as,
for example, Y2SiO5:Ce3+. In some embodiments, yttrium may be replaced by
scandium or lanthanum (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,812,500 and 6,327,074;
herein incorporated by reference). Numerous materials that may be used to
upconvert energy have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,956,172;
5,943,160; 7,235,189; 7,215,687; herein incorporated by reference).

[0115]At embodiment 1008, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that emit ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may include one or more light sources 108 that emit
ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
emit a broad spectrum of ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may emit a narrow spectrum of ultraviolet light.
In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 that emit one or more
wavelengths of ultraviolet light that are specifically selected to
release nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors
106. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit
ultraviolet light that does not include one or more wavelengths of light.
In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit ultraviolet
light that is selected to avoid and/or reduce damage to structures and/or
tissues of a user 124. For example, in some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may emit ultraviolet light that does not include
wavelengths of light that are absorbed by nucleic acids. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit ultraviolet light
that does not include wavelengths of light that are absorbed by
polypeptides. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit
light that does not include one or more wavelengths of ultraviolet light
within the following range: 250-320 nm. For example, in some embodiments,
one or more light sources 108 may not emit 260 nm light. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may not emit 280 nm light. In
some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may not emit 260 nm light
or 280 nm light. Accordingly, numerous combinations of wavelengths of
light may be excluded from emission by one or more light sources 108. In
some embodiments, light may be emitted continuously. In some embodiments,
light may be emitted as a flash. In some embodiments, light may be
emitted alternately as continuous light and a flash. In some embodiments,
light may be emitted as a pulse. In some embodiments, light may be
emitted continuously, as a flash, as a pulse, or substantially any
combination thereof.

[0116]At embodiment 1010, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that emit visible light. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may include one or more light sources 108 that emit visible light. In
some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit a broad spectrum
of visible light. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
emit a narrow spectrum of visible light. In some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may emit one or more wavelengths of visible light that
are specifically selected to release nitric oxide from one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may emit visible light that does not include one or
more wavelengths of light. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may emit visible light that is selected to avoid and/or reduce damage
to structures and/or tissues of a user 124. Accordingly, numerous
combinations of wavelengths of light may be excluded from emission by one
or more light sources 108. In some embodiments, light may be emitted
continuously. In some embodiments, light may be emitted as a flash. In
some embodiments, light may be emitted alternately as continuous light
and a flash. In some embodiments, light may be emitted as a pulse. In
some embodiments, light may be emitted continuously, as a flash, as a
pulse, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
visible light may be upconverted.

[0117]FIG. 11 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 700 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 7. FIG. 11 illustrates example
embodiments of module 730 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments may
include an embodiment 1102, an embodiment 1104, an embodiment 1106,
and/or an embodiment 1108.

[0118]At embodiment 1102, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that emit infrared light. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may include one or more light sources 108 that emit infrared light.
In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit a narrow
spectrum of infrared light. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may emit one or more wavelengths of infrared light that are
specifically selected to release nitric oxide from one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more
light sources 108 may emit infrared light that does not include one or
more wavelengths of light. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may emit infrared light that is selected to avoid and/or reduce
damage to structures and/or tissues of a user 124. Accordingly, numerous
combinations of wavelengths of light may be excluded from emission by one
or more light sources 108. In some embodiments, light may be emitted
continuously. In some embodiments, light may be emitted as a flash. In
some embodiments, light may be emitted alternately as continuous light
and a flash. In some embodiments, light may be emitted as a pulse. In
some embodiments, light may be emitted continuously, as a flash, as a
pulse, or substantially any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
infrared light may be upconverted.

[0119]At embodiment 1104, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are configured to emit light that specifically facilitates release
of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors. In
some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include one or more
light sources 108 that emit light that specifically facilitates release
of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors.
For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be
configured to emit light that includes one or more wavelengths of light
that correspond to the absorption maximum for one or more nitric oxide
donors. Examples of nitric oxide donors and their associated
λmax (nm) are provided in Table I below. Accordingly, one or
more light sources 108 may be configured to emit numerous wavelengths of
light.

[0120]At embodiment 1106, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are configured to emit light that is selected to avoid damaging one
or more tissues. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
include one or more light sources 108 that are configured to emit light
that is selected to avoid damaging one or more tissues. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may emit light that is
selected to avoid and/or reduce damage to structures and/or tissues of a
user 124. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108
may emit light that does not include wavelengths of light that are
absorbed by nucleic acids. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may emit light that does not include wavelengths of light that are
absorbed by polypeptides. In some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may emit light that does not include one or more wavelengths of light
within the following range: 250-320 nm. For example, in some embodiments,
one or more light sources 108 may not emit 260 nm light. In some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may not emit 280 nm light. In
some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may not emit 260 nm light
or 280 nm light. Accordingly, numerous combinations of wavelengths of
light may be excluded from emission by one or more light sources 108. In
some embodiments, light may be emitted continuously. In some embodiments,
light may be emitted as a flash. In some embodiments, light may be
emitted alternately as continuous light and a flash. In some embodiments,
light may be emitted as a pulse.

[0121]At embodiment 1108, module 730 may include one or more light sources
that are integrated within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may include
one or more light sources 108 that are integrated within the one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings. In some embodiments, one or more light
sources 108 may form an integral part of a nitric oxide permeable
housing. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108
may include one or more fiber optic fibers that are embedded within one
or more polymeric materials used to form a nitric oxide permeable
housing. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be
included within a composition that includes one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106 which is included within a nitric oxide permeable
housing. Accordingly, one or more light sources 108 may be integrated
into a nitric oxide permeable housing in numerous ways.

[0122]FIG. 12 illustrates embodiment 1200 of an apparatus 102 within
system 100. In FIG. 12, discussion and explanation may be provided with
respect to the above-described example of FIG. 1, and/or with respect to
other examples and contexts. In some embodiments, module 210 of FIG. 2
may correspond to module 1210 as described with respect to embodiment
1200 of an apparatus 102 within system 100. In some embodiments, module
520 of FIG. 5 may correspond to module 1230 as described with respect to
embodiment 1200 of an apparatus 102 within system 100. In some
embodiments, module 730 of FIG. 7 may correspond to module 1220 as
described with respect to embodiment 1200 of an apparatus 102 within
system 100. However, it should be understood that the modules may execute
operations in a number of other environments and contexts, and/or
modified versions of FIG. 1. Also, although the various modules are
presented in the sequence(s) illustrated, it should be understood that
the various modules may be configured in numerous orientations.

[0123]The embodiment 1200 may include module 1210 that includes one or
more nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may include one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings 104 that are configured to facilitate
release of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106 within the one or more nitric oxide permeable
housings. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more light sources 108. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more light sources 108
that are configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric
oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may be configured for implantation within a user
124. For example, in some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing
104 may be configured to facilitate delivery of nitric oxide to the
genital region of a user 124. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may be configured to facilitate delivery of nitric
oxide to the vasculature of a user 124. In some embodiments, a nitric
oxide permeable housing 104 may be configured to facilitate delivery of
nitric oxide to a surface. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 may be configured to be included within a bandage, a patch,
tape, clothing, and the like. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 may include one or more nitric oxide permeable
layers. In some embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may
include one or more valves that are configured to provide for passage of
nitric oxide from the nitric oxide permeable housing 104. In some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
controllable valves that are configured to provide for passage of nitric
oxide from the nitric oxide permeable housing 104. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 may include one or more
control units 126. In some embodiments, one or more control units 126 may
be configured to control one or more valves. In some embodiments, one or
more control units 126 may be configured to control one or more light
sources 108.

[0124]The embodiment 1200 may include module 1220 that includes one or
more light sources that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors. In some embodiments, an apparatus 102 may include one or more
light sources 108 that are configured to emit light that facilitates
release of nitric oxide from the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106. A light source 108 may be configured in numerous ways. For
example, in some embodiments, a light source 108 may include a
chemiluminescent light source 108. In some embodiments, a light source
108 may include a phosphorescent light source 108. In some embodiments, a
light source 108 may include a light emitter that is coupled to a power
supply. For example, in some embodiments, a light source 108 may include
one or more light emitting diodes that are coupled to one or more power
supplies. Examples of power supplies include, but are not limited to,
capacitors, batteries, electromagnetic receivers 110, and the like. In
some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit
light that specifically facilitates release of nitric oxide from one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. For example, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit one
or more wavelengths of light that facilitate photodecomposition of one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or
more light sources 108 may be configured such they do not emit one or
more wavelengths of light that do not facilitate photodecomposition of
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. Accordingly, in some
embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be configured to emit
light that is matched to one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106
and causes photodecomposition of the one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors 106. In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may
be configured such that they do not emit light that cross-links
biological structures (e.g., proteins) or that causes the formation of
DNA adducts. Accordingly, in some embodiments, one or more light sources
108 may be configured to emit light that photolyzes one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 with reduced damage to surrounding
tissue. For example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108
may be configured to emit visible light (λ=550 nm) to facilitate
homolytic decomposition of S-nitrosoglutathione to generate nitric oxide
(e.g., Singh et al., FEBS Letters, 360:47-51 (1995)). In some
embodiments, ultraviolet light may be used to facilitate release of
nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106. For
example, in some embodiments, one or more light sources 108 may be
configured to emit ultraviolet light (λ=355 nm) to release nitric
oxide from S-nitrosothiols (e.g., Rotta et al., Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res.,
36:587-594 (2003)). In some embodiments, one or more light sources 108
may be configured to emit light over a broad range of wavelengths that
will facilitate release of nitric oxide from one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106. For example, in some embodiments, O2-benzyl
substituted diazeniumdiolates, O2-napthylmethyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates, and/or O2-napththylallyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates may be photolyzed by light over a broad range of
wavelengths (λ=254 nm to λ=700 nm) (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,122,529).

[0126]FIG. 13 illustrates alternative embodiments of embodiment 1200 of an
apparatus 102 within system 100 of FIG. 12. FIG. 13 illustrates example
embodiments of module 1230 of an apparatus 102. Additional embodiments
may include an embodiment 1302, an embodiment 1304, an embodiment 1306,
an embodiment 1308, and/or an embodiment 1310.

[0127]At embodiment 1302, module 1230 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that include one or more diazeniumdiolates. In some
embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may include
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that include one or more
diazeniumdiolates. Many photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are
diazeniumdiolates are known and have been described (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
7,122,529). Examples of such diazeniumdiolates include, but are not
limited to, O2-benzyl, O2-naphthylmethyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates and O2-naphthylallyl substituted
diazeniumdiolates.

[0128]At embodiment 1304, module 1230 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are associated with one or more quantum dots. In
some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may
include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are
associated with one or more quantum dots. In some embodiments, one or
more quantum dots may be tuned to emit light that facilitates photolysis
of one or more nitric oxide donors. In some embodiments, a quantum dot
may be tuned to emit light that specifically facilitates photolysis of
one or more nitric oxide donors. For example, in some embodiments, one or
more quantum dots may emit select wavelengths of light that correspond to
wavelengths of light that cause photolysis of one or more nitric oxide
donors. In some embodiments, one or more quantum dots may be selected
that absorb light emitted by one or more light sources 108 and emit light
that facilitates photolysis of one or more nitric oxide donors.

[0129]At embodiment 1306, module 1230 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are associated with one or more fluorescent
materials. In some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106 may include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106
that are associated with one or more fluorescent materials. Numerous
fluorescent materials may be associated with one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106. Examples of such materials include, but are not
limited to, 1,4-diphenylbutadiene; 9,10-diphenylanthracene; benzene;
biphenyl; ethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate; naphthalene; P-terphenyl;
ethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzoate; stilbene; tryptophan; tyrosine;
1,2-diphenylacetylene; 7-methoxycoumarin-4-acetic acid; anthracene;
indo-1; POPOP; P-quaterphenyl; pyrene; and the like.

[0130]At embodiment 1308, module 1230 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are associated with one or more rare-earth
materials that facilitate upconversion of energy. In some embodiments,
one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may include one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are associated with one or more
rare-earth materials that facilitate upconversion of energy. In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to visible light (e.g.,
Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, infrared light may be upconverted to ultraviolet light
(e.g., Mendioroz et al., Optical Materials, 26:351-357 (2004). In some
embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may be
associated with one or more rare-earth materials (e.g., ytterbium-erbium,
ytterbium-thulium or the like) that facilitate upconversion of energy
(e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,088,040; herein incorporated by reference). For
example, in some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106 may be associated with Nd3+ doped KPb2Cl5
crystals. In some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide
donors 106 may be associated with thiogallates doped with rare earths,
such as CaGa2S4:Ce3+ and SrGa2S4:Ce3+. In
some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may be
associated with aluminates that are doped with rare earths, such as
YAlO3:Ce3+, YGaO3:Ce3+, Y(Al,Ga)O3:Ce3+,
and orthosilicates M2SiO5:Ce3+ (M:Sc, Y, Sc) doped with
rare earths, such as, for example, Y2SiO5:Ce3+. In some
embodiments, yttrium may be replaced by scandium or lanthanum (e.g., U.S.
Pat. Nos. 6,812,500 and 6,327,074; herein incorporated by reference).
Numerous materials that may be used to upconvert energy have been
described (e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,956,172; 5,943,160; 7,235,189;
7,215,687; herein incorporated by reference).

[0131]At embodiment 1310, module 1230 may include one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors that are coupled to one or more polymeric materials.
In some embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may
include one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 that are coupled
to one or more polymeric materials. For example, in some embodiments, one
or more polymer matrices may be impregnated with one or more photolyzable
nitric oxide donors 106 (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,444). In some
embodiments, one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 may be
bound to a polymer. Methods that can be used to couple nitric oxide
donors to a polymeric matrix have been reported (e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,405,919). In some embodiments, one or more polymers to which one or
more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106 are coupled may be used to
construct one or more housings.

[0132]FIG. 14 illustrates a partial view of a system 1400 that includes a
computer program 1404 for executing a computer process on a computing
device. An embodiment of system 1400 is provided using a signal-bearing
medium 1402 bearing one or more instructions for operating one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release
of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings. The
one or more instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or
logic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing
medium 1402 may include a computer-readable medium 1406. In some
embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 1402 may include a recordable
medium 1408. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 1402 may
include a communications medium 1410.

[0133]FIG. 15 illustrates a partial view of a system 1500 that includes a
computer program 1504 for executing a computer process on a computing
device. An embodiment of system 1500 is provided using a signal-bearing
medium 1502 bearing one or more instructions for operating one or more
nitric oxide permeable housings that are configured to facilitate release
of nitric oxide following photolysis of one or more photolyzable nitric
oxide donors within the one or more nitric oxide permeable housings; and
one or more instructions for operating one or more light sources that are
configured to emit light that facilitates release of nitric oxide from
the one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors. The one or more
instructions may be, for example, computer executable and/or
logic-implemented instructions. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing
medium 1502 may include a computer-readable medium 1506. In some
embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 1502 may include a recordable
medium 1508. In some embodiments, the signal-bearing medium 1502 may
include a communications medium 1510.

[0136]FIG. 16c illustrates an embodiment of apparatus 102. Apparatus 102
is shown in association with photolyzable nitric oxide donor 106 and
light source 108. Photolyzable nitric oxide donor 106 is shown enclosed
within a nitric oxide permeable housing 104 that includes a nitric oxide
permeable membrane 1600. Light source 108 is shown as being positioned
within a cavity of the nitric oxide permeable housing 104 and associated
with a control unit 126.

[0137]FIG. 17A illustrates an embodiment of apparatus 102. Apparatus 102
is shown in association with photolyzable nitric oxide donor 106 and a
nitric oxide permeable membrane 1600. Light source 108 is shown as being
positioned within the nitric oxide permeable housing 104 in association
with a light permeable window 1700.

[0138]FIG. 17B illustrates an embodiment of apparatus 102. Apparatus 102
is shown in association with photolyzable nitric oxide donor 106 and a
nitric oxide permeable membrane 1600. Light source 108 is shown as being
positioned within the nitric oxide permeable housing 104 in association
with a light permeable window 1700.

[0139]FIG. 17C illustrates an embodiment of apparatus 102. Apparatus 102
is shown in association with photolyzable nitric oxide donor 106 and a
nitric oxide permeable membrane 1600. Light source 108 is shown as being
positioned within a cavity of the nitric oxide permeable housing 104 and
associated with a control unit 126.

[0142]FIG. 18c illustrates an embodiment of apparatus 102. Photolyzable
nitric oxide donor 106 is shown enclosed within a nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 that includes a controllable valve 1800. Light source 108 is
shown as being positioned within a cavity of the nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 and associated with a control unit 126.

[0143]FIG. 19A illustrates an embodiment of nitric oxide permeable housing
104. Nitric oxide permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a
nitric oxide impermeable portion 1920 of the nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 and a nitric oxide permeable membrane 1600. The nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 includes a cavity 1910 configured to accept one or
more light sources 108 and a cavity 1900 configured to accept one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.

[0144]FIG. 19B illustrates an embodiment of nitric oxide permeable housing
104. Nitric oxide permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a
nitric oxide permeable membrane 1600 that includes a cavity 1900
configured to accept one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.
The nitric oxide permeable housing 104 includes a cavity 1910 configured
to accept one or more light sources 108. Nitric oxide permeable housing
104 includes a light permeable window 1700 that separates the cavity 1900
configured to accept one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106
from the cavity 1910 configured to accept one or more light sources 108.

[0145]FIG. 19C illustrates an embodiment of nitric oxide permeable housing
104. Nitric oxide permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a
nitric oxide impermeable portion 1920 of the nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 and a nitric oxide permeable membrane 1600. Nitric oxide
permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a cavity 1900
configured to accept one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.
The nitric oxide permeable housing 104 includes a cavity 1910 configured
to accept one or more light sources 108. Nitric oxide permeable housing
104 includes a light permeable window 1700 that separates the cavity 1900
configured to accept one or more photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106
from the cavity 1910 configured to accept one or more light sources 108.

[0147]FIG. 20A illustrates an embodiment of nitric oxide permeable housing
104. Nitric oxide permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a
nitric oxide impermeable portion 2020 of the nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 and a controllable valve 1800. The nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 includes a cavity 2010 configured to accept one or more light
sources 108 and a cavity 2000 configured to accept one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.

[0148]FIG. 20B illustrates an embodiment of nitric oxide permeable housing
104. Nitric oxide permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a
nitric oxide impermeable portion 2020 of the nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 and a controllable valve 1800. The nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 includes a cavity 2010 configured to accept one or more light
sources 108 and a cavity 2000 configured to accept one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.

[0149]FIG. 20c illustrates an embodiment of nitric oxide permeable housing
104. Nitric oxide permeable housing 104 is illustrated as including a
nitric oxide impermeable portion 2020 of the nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 and a controllable valve 1800. The nitric oxide permeable
housing 104 includes a cavity 2010 configured to accept one or more light
sources 108 and a cavity 2000 configured to accept one or more
photolyzable nitric oxide donors 106.

[0150]With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular
terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural
to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate
to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0151]While particular aspects of the present subject matter described
herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter
described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended
claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and
modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject
matter described herein. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the
invention is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by
those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially
in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are
generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be
interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should
be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of
an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be
explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no
such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases
"at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However,
the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an"
limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation
to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same
claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one"
and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should
typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the
same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim
recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will
recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at
least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two
or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such
a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B,
or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,
and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase
presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,
claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the
possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0152]Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the
art has progressed to the point where there is little distinction left
between hardware and software implementations of aspects of systems; the
use of hardware or software is generally (but not always, in that in
certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can become
significant) a design choice representing cost vs. efficiency tradeoff's.
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that there are various
vehicles by which processes and/or systems and/or other technologies
described herein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or
firmware), and that the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in
which the processes and/or systems and/or other technologies are
deployed. For example, if an implementer determines that speed and
accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a mainly hardware
and/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, the
implementer may opt for a mainly software implementation; or, yet again
alternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,
software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles by
which the processes and/or devices and/or other technologies described
herein may be effected, none of which is inherently superior to the other
in that any vehicle to be utilized is a choice dependent upon the context
in which the vehicle will be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g.,
speed, flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that optical aspects of
implementations will typically employ optically-oriented hardware,
software, and/or firmware.

[0153]The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments
of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams,
flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts,
and/or examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will
be understood by those within the art that each function and/or operation
within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,
firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment,
several portions of the subject matter described herein may be
implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field
Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or
other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, in whole
or in part, can be equivalently implemented in integrated circuits, as
one or more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or
more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as one or more
programs running on one or more microprocessors), as firmware, or as
virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry
and/or writing the code for the software and or firmware would be well
within the skill of one of skill in the art in light of this disclosure.
In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms
of the subject matter described herein are capable of being distributed
as a program product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative
embodiment of the subject matter described herein applies regardless of
the particular type of signal-bearing medium used to actually carry out
the distribution. Examples of a signal-bearing medium include, but are
not limited to, the following: a recordable type medium such as a floppy
disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD),
a digital tape, a computer memory, etc.; and a transmission type medium
such as a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber
optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless
communication link, etc.).

[0154]In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
various embodiments described herein can be implemented, individually
and/or collectively, by various types of electromechanical systems having
a wide range of electrical components such as hardware, software,
firmware, or virtually any combination thereof; and a wide range of
components that may impart mechanical force or motion such as rigid
bodies, spring or torsional bodies, hydraulics, and electro-magnetically
actuated devices, or virtually any combination thereof. Consequently, as
used herein "electro-mechanical system" includes, but is not limited to,
electrical circuitry operably coupled with a transducer (e.g., an
actuator, a motor, a piezoelectric crystal, etc.), electrical circuitry
having at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry
having at least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at
least one application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry
forming a general purpose computing device configured by a computer
program (e.g., a general purpose computer configured by a computer
program which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices
described herein, or a microprocessor configured by a computer program
which at least partially carries out processes and/or devices described
herein), electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of
random access memory), electrical circuitry forming a communications
device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical
equipment), and any non-electrical analog thereto, such as optical or
other analogs. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that
examples of electromechanical systems include but are not limited to a
variety of consumer electronics systems, as well as other systems such as
motorized transport systems, factory automation systems, security
systems, and communication/computing systems. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that electromechanical as used herein is not necessarily
limited to a system that has both electrical and mechanical actuation
except as context may dictate otherwise.

[0155]In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
various aspects described herein which can be implemented, individually
and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
any combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various types
of "electrical circuitry." Consequently, as used herein "electrical
circuitry" includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry having
at least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having at
least one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least one
application specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming a
general purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,
a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which at
least partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein, or
a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at least
partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),
electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of random
access memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communications
device (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electrical
equipment). Those having skill in the art will recognize that the subject
matter described herein may be implemented in an analog or digital
fashion or some combination thereof.

[0156]Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the
art to implement devices and/or processes and/or systems in the
fashion(s) set forth herein, and thereafter use engineering and/or
business practices to integrate such implemented devices and/or processes
and/or systems into more comprehensive devices and/or processes and/or
systems. That is, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes
and/or systems described herein can be integrated into other devices
and/or processes and/or systems via a reasonable amount of
experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that
examples of such other devices and/or processes and/or systems might
include--as appropriate to context and application--all or part of
devices and/or processes and/or systems of (a) an air conveyance (e.g.,
an airplane, rocket, hovercraft, helicopter, etc.), (b) a ground
conveyance (e.g., a car, truck, locomotive, tank, armored personnel
carrier, etc.), (c) a building (e.g., a home, warehouse, office, etc.),
(d) an appliance (e.g., a refrigerator, a washing machine, a dryer,
etc.), (e) a communications system (e.g., a networked system, a telephone
system, a voice-over IP system, etc.), (f) a business entity (e.g., an
Internet Service Provider (ISP) entity such as Comcast Cable, Quest,
Southwestern Bell, etc), or (g) a wired/wireless services entity (e.g.,
such as Sprint, Cingular, Nextel, etc.), etc.

[0157]Although the user interface 122 is shown/described herein as a
single illustrated figure that is associated with an individual, those
skilled in the art will appreciate that a user interface 122 may be
utilized by a user 124 that is a representative of a human user 124, a
robotic user 124 (e.g., computational entity), and/or substantially any
combination thereof (e.g., a user 124 may be assisted by one or more
robotic based systems). In addition, a user 124 as set forth herein,
although shown as a single entity may in fact be composed of two or more
entities. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in general, the
same may be said of "sender" and/or other entity-oriented terms as such
terms are used herein.

[0158]The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different
components contained within, or connected with, different other
components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are
merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be
implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense,
any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is
effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved.
Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular
functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the
desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can
also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably coupled", to
each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components
capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably
couplable", to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific
examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically
mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly
interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically
interacting and/or logically interactable components.

[0159]All publications, patents and patent applications cited herein are
incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing specification has been
described in relation to certain embodiments thereof, and many details
have been set forth for purposes of illustration, however, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is susceptible to
additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein
may be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of
the invention.